Evaluation of stress effects of copper oxide nanoparticles in Brassica napus L. seedlings

Abstract

Rapid growth of nanotechnology has enabled the production and use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in several industries as well as in agriculture areas. This has raised ecotoxicological concerns due to the release of ENPs to the environment. In the present study, we investigated the effects of interactions of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on physiological, biochemical, and molecular indices in seedlings of an important oil seed crop Brassica napus L. The seedlings were treated with 0, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 500 mg/L of CuO NPs for 14 days in halfstrength semi-solid Murashige and Skoog medium. The CuO NPs treatment significantly reduced shoot and root growth as well as plant biomass. Shortening and thickening of primary and lateral roots and inhibition of lateral root growth was observed at higher concentrations. An increase in reactive oxygen species generation, and malondialdehyde accumulation was observed. Histochemical staining of roots with propidium iodide and aniline blue indicated cell death and callose formation in roots. Transcriptional modulation of genes related to oxidative stress viz. CuZn superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase was observed. Element content analysis showed an increase in Cu content and decrease in Fe, Mn, and Zn contents. Overall, exposure to CuO NPs caused oxidative injury, cell death, callose formation, and decreased the micro nutrient contents in B. napus seedlings.

Enhancement of secondary metabolites in Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell plants treated with copper‐based nanoparticles in vivo

“…through the disruption of the electron transport chain, finally resulting in membrane damage through lipid peroxidation, as indicated by increased MDA and lactate dehydrogenase contents [49]. CuNPs have been shown to cause ROS generation leading to membrane lipid peroxidation in several other plant species including Brassica napus [50], Brassica juncea [51], Cucumis sativus [52], Oryza sativa [53] and Coriandrum sativum [54]. Similar results were observed in B. monnieri.…”

“…Antioxidant enzymes such as CAT, APX, SOD and glutathione reductase are activated by CuNPs as reported in many plant species such as Brassica napus [50], Brassica juncea [51], Cucumis sativus [52], Oryza sativa [53] and Saccharum officinarum [56]. Zhao et al [57] reported that in Zea mays , expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes, POD 1 and GST 1 increased significantly at a Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticide dose of 10 mg but declined at 100 mg. CATs dismutase H 2 O 2 to H 2 O and O 2 while the SODs catalyse the conversion of superoxides to H 2 O 2 .…”

Responses of seed germination and shoot metabolic profiles of maize (Zea maysL.) to Y2O3nanoparticle stress

“…This indicated that ROS accumulation and the ROS scavenging system could maintain a dynamic balance at less than 300 mg L À1 of Y 2 O 3 NPs, but this balance was broken at greater than or equal to 300 mg L À1 and then excess ROS could not be cleared timely, resulting in oxidative damage to the membrane system and an increase in cell membrane permeability. 34,53 Similar results were reported by previous studies on the induction of antioxidative enzymes activity in plants exposed to other nanoparticles. 50,54,55 Metabolic response of maize shoots to Y 2 O 3 NPs stress…”

The effect of chitosan–PMAA–NPK nanofertilizer on Pisum sativum plants

“…3a, b). A similar conclusion was obtained with Brassica napus seedlings on application of copper oxide nanoparticles at high concentrations, which resulted in (Nair and Chung 2017). On the other hand, Barrenaa et al (2009) observed zero to no toxicity when Au, Ag, and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were applied at very low concentrations on lettuce and cucumber plants.…”